New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese DT Options in the 2017 Draft

New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese DT Options in the 2017 Draft

By Michael Stewart (@golferbad)

Round 1

DT-Malik McDowell-6’6/290 (Michigan State): Many scouts have said that McDowell has high 1st round talent, however; concerns over his work ethic could cause him to fall into the late 1st or early 2nd rounds. McDowell has been compared to former college DT’s DeForest Buckner or Arik Armstead; unfortunately character issues are hurting McDowell stock. If he can reverse that and let his overall ability come into play, he will be a solid DT in the NFL.

DT- Caleb Brantley-6’2/297 (Florida): Brantley has enough strength and does a great job shedding blocks and shooting the gaps. Brantley doesn’t record many sacks, but doesn’t mean he isn’t effective as often times he encountered double teaming; which gave his fellow linemen to get credit for the sack. Brantley’s poor interview at the combine is why he is featured here as his stock slipped a bit into the late 1st to early 2nd round.

Round 2

DT- Jarron Jones-6’4/315 (Notre Dame): Jones is a disruptive DT who can penetrate into the backfield to make plays. Many scouts envision Jones more suitable in a 4-3 scheme, although he has played in both (3-4/4-3) schemes. Very strong at the point of attack, Jones would be a very good complement DT in the Giants DL.

DT- Chris Wormley-6’5/330 (Michigan): Wormley became more of a complete DT as a senior as he improved on the pass rush. Wormley’s versatility to play both DT and DE gives him an advantage at the NFL level. More of a run stopper than a pass rusher, Wormley the strength and speed combination to be a very vital DT in the NFL.

Round 3

DT- Charles Walker-6’2/304 (Oklahoma): Walker’s main asset is his speed and how well he can penetrate an OL , applying pressure to opposing QB’s. Walker’s 2016 season was shortened by a concussion; which will be a concern to many NFL teams. If not for the concussion, Walker could have been viewed more like a late 1st round pick. Walker performed well at the combine and was medically cleared from the concussion.

DT-Montravius Adams-6’3/308 (Auburn): Adams could go in the late 2nd or early 3rd in the draft, however; I’m projecting him to fall into the late 3rd round for the Giants to consider him. Adams is very quick for his size and can play along the line either as a DT or DE. The only reason Adams is not featured as a 1st round prospect is because he lacked consistency.

Round 4

DT- Carlos Watkins-6’3/300 (Clemson): Watkins is a tough interior defender with a combination of strength and speed. Watkins overall play in 2016 helped propel Clemson to a National Championship as he dominated both Ohio State and Alabama. Also, Watkins performed well at the Senior Bowl and there is a very good chance that Watkins falls into the late 3rd to early 4th round.

DT-Jaleel Johnson-6’2/310 (Iowa): Johnson has deceptive speed for his size and the strength to handle NFL OL. Johnson uses his speed and strength to penetrate into the backfield; which rewarded him with 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. Johnson is a value pick in the mid-rounds and could wind up being a steal in this year’s draft.

Round 5

DT-Vincent Taylor-6’3/310 (Oklahoma State): Taylor is not well-known in this draft and could be a sleeper pick in the 2017 draft. Taylor has an endless motor and his combination of strength and speed makes him very appealing in the 5th round.

DT-Eddie Vanderdoes-6’3/305 (UCLA): Vanderdoes is a pure run stuffer at the DT position with little pass rushing ability. He did well at both the Senior Bowl and the Combines. Scouts project that Vanderdoes will improve on his pass rushing ability and should be a solid DT in the NFL.

Round 6

DT- Dalvin Tomlinson-6’4/320 (Alabama): Tomlinson was overlooked along the Alabama DL as fellow DT Jonathan Allen got most of the ink. However; Coach Saban would be the first to tell you how vital Tomlinson was to the success of the Alabama defense in 2016. A solid run stuffer and penetrator, Tomlinson lacked the pass rushing skills that would have placed within the top 3 rounds. Many scouts were overall impressed with his performance at the Senior Bowl and his interview sessions.

DT- Larry Ogunjobi-6’2/304 (Charlotte): Ogunjobi had a solid career at Charlotte; which concluded with an impressive 2016 season; which he recorded 62 tackles, 13.5 for losses and 3 sacks . Ogunjobi is very quick off the point of attack will need to prove himself against better competition in the NFL, despite going well in the Senior Bowl.

Round 7

DT-Ryan Glasgow-6’3/300 (Michigan): Playing in the shadows of DE Taco Charlton and DT Chris Wormley, Glasgow had a quality season for Michigan. Glasgow will not overly impress you with his strength, speed or quickness. However; he will impress with his blue-collar mentality and endless motor that results in making plays. Basically, Glasgow does all the little things that resulted in everyone around him looking better.

DT-Josh Augusta-6’4/360 (Missouri): Augusta is a giant and actually has lost weight to get back to 360. Augusta surprisingly has excellent speed/quickness for his size, but is one-dimensional as a run stuffer along the DL. His weight issues and also the fact that he didn’t participate in the Combine is why he is being projected as a 7th rounder. However; if he can maintain his weight and keep it under control, he will be a steal in the 7th round.

Final Thoughts: The Free agent market for DT has been unexpectedly down this offseason. What effect this could have on the Giants re-signing Jonathan Hankins is still unknown. The Giants cap space is significantly lower ($9.3M) at this time. I see the Giants passing on Hankins as they have done in years past (Linval Joseph & Barry Cofield). Look for GM Jerry Reese to invest in a DT in the draft in rounds 3-7.